Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated 66th Anniversary of the National Day on 4th February 2014. The Embassy held two functions to celebrate the event. The morning celebrations was held at the Embassy premises with the hoisting of the National flag by His Excellency Mr. W.M. Senevirathna, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal and singing the National Anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of oil lamp. Sri Lankan community in Nepal participated at the event.
Religious observances were conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths, as an important part of the ceremony. Chief Sanganayaka of Nepal Most Ven. Ashwagosha Maha Thero, Upamahasangha Nayaka of Nepal, Most Ven. Dr. Gyanapurnika Maha Thero, Ven. Seelabhadra Maha Thero and Ven Dr. Pragyaloka Maha Thero of Sumangala Vihar and Chief Incumbent of Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara, USA and 24 monks and nuns graced the occasion.
National Day messages of His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka, Hon. D.M. Jayaratne, Prime Minister and Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka were also read and a two minute silence was observed in honour of all the national heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the country. H. E. the Ambassador Senevirathna, addressing the gathering, explained the duty of Sri Lankan expatriates towards Motherland Sri Lanka and briefed the Government policies on development activities in the country as well as the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
A National Day Reception was organized at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu on February 5th evening. Rt. Hon. Paramandh Jha, Vice-President has graced the event as the Chief Guest. During the welcoming address Ambassador W.M. Senevirathna stated that Sri Lanka and Nepal share warm, cordial and friendly relations which will further strengthen in the years to come.
Over 350 guests participated at the ceremony including Hon. Ram Kumar Shrestha, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Hon. Sujata Koirala, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Former Foreign Minister Hon. Ramesh Nath Pandey, newly elected Members of Constituent Assembly, Resident Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Senior Government Officials, Members of Business Community, Media Personnel, Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendship Association and Nepal-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce.
